Lucurtis Williams, Invaders of Texas

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonym(s):

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Grass/Grasslike

Listed by:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US: 1
Federal Noxious Weed: 0
TDA Noxious Weed: 0
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species: 0

Description: The ligule is firm and membranous with a few spreading hairs at the margins. There are no auricles. The mature plant forms loose bunches, 1 to 4 feet (30 - 120 cm) high. The flower head,which is similar to that of goosegrass, consists of 3 to 6 flower structures that arise apart on the stem and often droop. The leaf sheath is somewhat flattened; at the base, it is hairy, often tinged red, and usually inflated. The underground shoots are fairly short with areas that appear as concentric rings. Dallisgrass can be differentiated from tall fescue which forms clumps rather than loose bunches.

History: Native to South America, Dallisgrass was introduced into tropical and subtropical areas as a forage species/fodder in wet areas or irrigated sites. Also considered invasive in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Biology & Spread: Dallisgrass produces abundant amounts of seed, which are its primary means of dispersal. Water, lawn mowers, and humans or pets spread the seed to new places

Ecological Threat: Its rapid growth and profuse seed production enable it to quickly invade garden or orchard areas. Dallisgrass creates an unsightly clump in turfgrass that can be a problem in golf courses, sports playing fields, and home landscapes.

US Habitat: Disturbed areas

Distribution

US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.

Native Origin: South America

US States: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NM, OK, OR, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV

Resembles/Alternatives:

Management: A major component of dallisgrass management is preventing establishment of new plants. In home landscapes, removing young plants by digging them out before they form rhizomes or set seed is the best strategy for control. Mature plants can also be dug out, but they sometimes grow back if rhizomes are left behind. In professionally managed turfgrass areas, prevention is an important component in managing this weed. When dallisgrass is abundant or the plants are located over a large area, it may be necessary to supplement cultural practices with herbicides

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

Listing Source

Texas Department ofAgriculture Noxious Plant List
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Prohibited Exotic Species
Invaders Program
Federal Noxious Weed
Union of Concerned Scientists
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station

Text References

Pest Notes: Dallisgrass
UC ANR Publication 7491

Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Meacham. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version 1.0.

Data Source

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/paspalum-dilatatum/

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.38953

Last Updated: 2024-01-30 by ARMO, TISI